AU2012200283A1 - A mounting adaptor for uneven surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An adaptor plate for mounting a light fitting to a corrugated iron surface of a building comprises a flat outer surface for supporting the fitting that has an aperture for receiving the light fitting. Opposed supports extend at right angles from the flat outer surface for abutment with the corrugated iron surface. Edge portions of the supports, which are for contact with the corrugated iron are corrugated to complement the corrugated iron surface so that the adaptor may be stably fastened to the corrugated iron. Ct) CA) U-n

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A MOUNTING ADAPTOR FOR UNEVEN SURFACES The invention is described in the following statement: 1 A MOUNTING ADAPTOR FOR UNEVEN SURFACES TECHNICAL FIELD 5 The present invention relates to a mounting for uneven surfaces. Embodiments of the invention find particular application where it is desirable to mount light fittings, electrical fittings, water fittings and other types of fittings that are intended for flat surfaces, to an uneven surface such as that of corrugated metal sheeting, for example. 10 BACKGROUND The discussion of any prior art documents, techniques, methods or apparatus is not to be taken to constitute any admission or evidence that such prior art 15 forms, or ever formed, part of the common general knowledge. The present invention will be primarily explained with reference to light fittings although it is equally applicable to use with other types of fittings. 20 Light fittings are typically designed for mounting on smooth surfaces such as flat walls and ceilings. However, over the last few years there has been an increased popularity in using sheets of materials that are corrugated or which otherwise present a surface having substantial troughs and crests. For example, corrugated iron sheets are finding more and more use in modern 25 architectural designs, both domestically and in commercial environments. A problem that occurs in mounting many of the available light fittings to an uneven surface, such as corrugated iron, is that unsightly gaps are left between the iron and the body of the light fitting. One approach to addressing 30 this problem is to apply gap fillers. However, some lights are too hot for such compounds and in any event it is difficult to obtain a pleasing finish.

2 It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement for mounting light fittings to uneven surfaces that addresses the above described problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an adaptor for mounting a fitting to an uneven surface the adaptor comprising: an even surface for supporting the fitting; at least one support extending from the even surface for contact with 10 the uneven surface wherein the at least one support includes a contact portion shaped to complement the uneven surface. Preferably the even surface is a flat surface. 15 For example, the fitting may comprise a light fitting, electrical fitting or water related fitting such as a fire extinguishing water sprinkler, for example. The adaptor may include fastening formations for fastening the adaptor to the 20 uneven surface. For example, tabs may be provided which extend from the contact portion for bolting or otherwise fastening the adaptor to the uneven surface. The fitting may comprise a socket of a downlight, in which case the adaptor 25 may be formed with an aperture to accept the socket. In one embodiment of the invention the light fitting is for a fluorescent tube and the adaptor is elongate to thereby accommodate the light fitting. 30 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an adaptor plate for mounting a light fitting to a corrugated iron surface of a building the adaptor comprising: a flat outer surface for supporting the fitting and having an aperture for receiving the light fitting; and 3 opposed supports extending at right angles from the flat outer surface for abutment with the corrugated iron surface; wherein edge portions of the supports for contact with the corrugated iron are corrugated to complement the corrugated iron surface. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will 10 make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the outside of an adaptor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inner side of the adaptor. 15 Figure 3 is an exploded view of a light fitting mounted to an uneven surface by means of the adaptor. Figure 4 is an exploded view of a fire extinguishing water sprinkler mounted to an uneven surface by means of the adaptor. 20 Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 25 Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there are depicted the outside and inside respectively of an adaptor 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for mounting an electrical fitting to an uneven surface. The adaptor 2 includes an even surface in the form of flat outer surface 4 upon 30 which an electrical fitting is to be mounted. Supports in the form of wing portions 6 extend out from the flat surface for contact with the uneven surface. The edges of the wing portions are shaped to complement the contours of the uneven surface.

4 For example in the presently described embodiment, the adaptor 2 has wing portions 6 that include edges with crests 8 and a trough 10 that complement the troughs and crests of a sheet of corrugated iron. 5 An aperture 12 is formed through the flat outer surface 4. The aperture 12 may receive a socket, where the electrical fitting comprises a down light for example, or provide an entry port for an electrical cable to be connected to the fitting. 10 Figure 3 is an exploded view showing the adaptor 2 in use for the mounting of of a halogen downlight socket 16 to a piece of corrugated iron 18. A hole 20 has been formed through the corrugated iron 18. The aperture 12 of the adaptor 2 is located over hole 20 and crests 6 and trough 10 of the adaptor are brought into contact with the corrugated sheet 18 15 since they are shaped to complement the troughs and crests of the sheet. The socket shown in Figure 3 is of a type that includes spring loaded wings 22 that are biased away from the body 24 of the socket 16. In order to install the socket the wings are manually brought together and inserted through aperture 20 12 and hole 20 bringing with them the body 24 of the socket. The wings are then released so that they spring upward and abut the underside of metal sheet 18 about the edge of hole 20. This action brings the lip 26 of the socket 16 down so that it abuts the surface 4 of adaptor 2 about aperture 12 thereby forcing the adaptor against the metal sheet 18. 25 An electric light is then inserted into the socket 16 in the usual manner. Where other types of electrical fitting are to be mounted to the adaptor 2 they may not include retaining features such as biased wings 22. Accordingly, in 30 those situations the adaptor 2 may include fastening formations, such as tabs, which extend from the wings 6 to allow for the adaptor 2 to be bolted, screwed or otherwise fastened to the metal sheet 18. The electrical fitting is then bolted or otherwise fastened to the surface 4 of the adaptor 2 in the usual fashion.

5 It will be realized that while the adaptor has been described in an embodiment that is suitable for mounting to a corrugated sheet 18 having the profile shown in Figure 3, other embodiments are suitable for other profiles. For example 5 the wings 6 may be shaped so that their contact portions complement sheets having other profiles such as sawtooths or rectangular castellations. Where it is desired to mount a fluorescent tube fitting to an uneven surface then either a single elongate adaptor may be used or alternatively two 10 adaptors, disposed at either end of the fluorescent tube fitting might be used. In the second case the adaptor 12 may be provided without the aperture 12. Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the adaptor 2 in use for the mounting of a fire extinguishing sprinkler 28 to a piece of corrugated iron 18. The sprinkler 15 28 includes a nozzle 30 that is supplied with water by an inlet pipe 34. A base flange 32 is located fast about the inlet pipe 34. The inlet pipe 34 includes an internal thread for connection to a water supply pipe. A hole 20 has been formed through the corrugated iron 18. The aperture 12 of 20 the adaptor 2 is located over hole 20 and crests 6 and trough 10 of the adaptor are brought to correspond with the corrugated sheet 18. A water supply pipe 36 is located within aperture 12 and hole 20. The outside of the water supply pipe 36 bears a thread that complements that of the 25 internal thread of sprinkler inlet pipe 34. The base flange 32 is oversized relative to aperture 12. Consequently, by fitting the opening of pipe 34 over the water supply pipe 36 and rotating the sprinkler 28, the inlet pipe 34 is tightened over the water 30 supply pipe 36. As the threads mesh and are rotated relative to each other, the flange 32 is brought to bear down upon the outside surface 4 of the adaptor 2 about aperture 12. This action in turn forces the adaptor 2 against the metal sheet 18.

6 Where other types of fitting are to be mounted to the adaptor 2 they may not include retaining features such as biased wings 22 or the corresponding threads of water supply pipe 36 and sprinkler inlet pipe 34. Accordingly, in those situations the adaptor 2 may include fastening formations, such as tabs, 5 which extend from the wings 6 to allow for the adaptor 2 to be bolted, screwed or otherwise fastened to the metal sheet 18. The fitting is then bolted or otherwise fastened to the surface 4 of the adaptor 2 in the usual fashion. To recap, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the 10 invention there is provided an adaptor plate for mounting a light fitting to a corrugated iron surface of a building which comprises a flat outer surface 4 for supporting the fitting. The outer surface has an aperture 12 for receiving the light fitting. Opposed supports, e.g. wings 6 extend at right angles from the flat outer surface for abutment with the corrugated iron surface. Edge portions 15 8 of the supports, which are for contact with the corrugated iron are themselves corrugated to complement the corrugated iron surface so that the adaptor may be stably fastened to the corrugated iron. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language 20 more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. 25 It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 30

Claims (9)

1. An adaptor for mounting a fitting to an uneven surface the adaptor comprising: an even surface for supporting the fitting; at least one support extending from the even surface for contact with the uneven surface wherein the at least one support includes a contact portion shaped to complement the uneven surface. Preferably the even surface is a flat surface.

2. An adaptor according to claim 1 arranged to support a light fitting.

3. An adaptor according to claim 1 or claim 2, including fastening formations for fastening the adaptor to the uneven surface.

4. An adaptor according to claim 3, wherein the fastening formations comprise tabs extending from the contact portion for bolting or otherwise fastening the adaptor to the uneven surface.

5. An adaptor according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fitting comprises a socket of a downlight,

6. An adaptor according to claim 5 formed with an aperture to accept the socket.

7. An adaptor according to claim 2, wherein the light fitting is for a fluorescent tube and the adaptor is elongate to thereby accommodate the light fitting. 8

8. An adaptor plate for mounting a light fitting to a corrugated iron surface of a building the adaptor comprising: a flat outer surface for supporting the fitting and having an aperture for receiving the light fitting; and opposed supports extending at right angles from the flat outer surface for abutment with the corrugated iron surface; wherein edge portions of the supports for contact with the corrugated iron are corrugated to complement the corrugated iron surface.

9. An adaptor substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures.